Interesting discussion currently underway on brick set starting with a rumor without any kind of confirmation (a guy knows a guy who works at LEGO, who knows a guy, etc ...) of a possible reissue of the X-Wing in UCS format (Ultimate Collector Series) by LEGO.

One of the most iconic sets in the UCS range, with obviously the 10179 Millennium Falcon set, remains for me the X-Wing of the 7191 set, set of 1304 pieces released in 2000. Like many of us, I have it. came in much later on the secondary market, and paid for it significantly more than the $ 150 it was worth when it was released a dozen years ago.

This rumor of a reissue of the X-Wing in UCS version raises several interesting questions among which: Would a reissue be justified in the eyes of the first concerned, the AFOLs? Wouldn't a new set with this ship harm the image of the range? Ultimate Collector Series within which each product becomes unique and definitive? Does LEGO take into account speculation and the parallel market around its products?

On the one hand, collectors, owners of a set that has become rare in its new version in sealed box, highly demanded by potential buyers willing to pay a high price, and who do not see a new version of this ship. They believe that the resale value of the 7191 set would be lessened by the ability of current collectors to purchase a much more affordable version.

On the other hand, the new AFOLs, the youngest collectors, or the reasonable enthusiasts who refuse to pay the sums requested by the sellers of this set and who would be delighted to be able to add to their collection a UCS version of this emblematic ship of the Star Wars saga.

Et quid the credibility of a range based on the exclusive and limited character of the products that compose it: In addition to their superior finish and the number of pieces they contain, these sets are collector's items sold as such by the manufacturer. They are no longer toys for children and their price positioning clearly demonstrates this. These are products intended for collectors, of LEGO or Star Wars derivatives for that matter, whose resale value only increases over time. There are also many vessels or machines that could be edited in the UCS range before considering an inevitable reboot from the range.

The manufacturer is obviously very aware of what is going on in the aftermarket. It is the first to enhance its brand image and its products by creating rarity and exclusivity, for example with the minifigs released in a single set or the ultra-limited editions of collector minifigs. The UCS range is also a way for LEGO to be more than just a toy maker.
Today's customers are not necessarily those of twelve years ago. AFOLs are born every day, but many of them fall back into the famous dark age, a period that you probably hated like me because it costs you dearly when you come back to LEGOs and are looking to get some old sets.

And today's AFOLs, I think if you give them a UCS X-Wing, they won't say no to you ...

Do not hesitate to give your opinion on this subject, the discussion can be interesting. Remember to respect everyone's point of view, each with their own experience and their own relationship with LEGOs.

Captain BeerBeard got the board game The Hobbit and posted on his flickr gallery some interesting photos including the one above announcing the release of the range in winter 2012 and bringing together Dwalin, Gandalf, Bilbo, Thorin and Nori.

In the photo below of the game's microfigs, we find Gandalf, Kili, Fili and Dwalin.

Meeting on his flickr gallery to see the rest of the photos.

I'm not going to list you all the great videos here that you can watch on the very recent official channel. LEGO on YouTube, but this one is worth a look ...

And then we find Jek Porkins alias Red Six and just for that you have to take the necessary minute to watch this video ...

Note that I have added the official HD video of the trailer for the next LEGO Star Wars Special: The Empire Strikes Out in the corresponding article. 

If you are a smart shopper you are already familiar with this scam, but if you are not used to checking everything when ordering, you could be in some trouble without having anything to complain about.

The scam is extremely simple: You spot the new set on eBay or Bricklink (MISB, Mint in Sealed Box, New, Sealed) that you absolutely need at a very good price, a price so interesting that you tell yourself that you cannot miss such an opportunity ...

You order, you pay the seller, and you wait. A few days later, you receive your order, and the story might end there. You've paid, you've got your product, it's all great.

But what you don't know is that your salesperson didn't have the product in question. He waited for your order to order the product himself on the LEGO Shop LEGO, often at a higher rate than the one you paid, by creating an account with false contact details and using a bank card stolen. He has simply entered your address instead of his so that LEGO will send you the ordered product directly. In the end, you receive the order, the payment is rejected by the bank of the holder of the stolen credit card and LEGO only has your address as information because you are the recipient of the order.

And that's how some ended up on the LEGO blacklist without their knowledge. LEGO is now refusing to deliver their orders to them because one of these orders was made using a stolen bank card. More seriously, you could find yourself sued for credit card fraud and concealment. You should then justify yourself and explain how your address was found associated with a fraudulent payment. With your good faith you will get away with it, but the damage is done and the situation is embarrassing.

The only precaution to take if you buy a new set at an unbeatable price is to check the origin of the shipment upon delivery: If the package comes from LEGO even though you had ordered on eBay or on Bricklink, beware. The invoice will be in your name, but the rejection of the payment will get you into trouble. In that case, feel free to contact LEGO directly to confirm the scam and get a prepaid return slip to return the product to the manufacturer. It will save you a lot of trouble. Open a dispute and Paypal will refund you if you went through eBay.

LEGO is informed of this scam which is taking on an unprecedented scale, especially across the Atlantic. There was also talk last June that LEGO would stop shipping orders to an address other than that of the account concerned. But to this day, it is still possible to have delivery to a different name and a different address.

The same scam is also spreading on amazon where sellers registered on the marketplace offer new sets at discounted prices and use the same technique.

Do not hesitate to consult the details of the offer of the seller who interests you before ordering. Too many new products, too many new sets at really attractive prices, new references constantly added, are all clues that should alert you to the possibility of a scam. 

When the business is too good ... sometimes it is too good to be honest.

Nice teasing from LEGO on the facebook page dedicated to the manufacturer's board games. Moreover, by adding them to pricevortex, I noticed that LEGO had released a slew of board games in recent years and most of those boxes are still available for sale. To believe that it sells very well and that the concept of short games and simple rules appeals to younger people.

Regarding this visual, I could be wrong, but it seems obvious to me that it is the The Hobbit board game (reference 3920) which I had already told you about this summer and of which I give you the visual of the box below.